STRIKE A CHORD 2025

A free coaching session with a Musica Viva Australia-affiliated artist gives every group access to expert guidance. During 2025, 75 sessions were delivered to ensembles nationwide, led by 28 professional musicians, including Strike A Chord alumni returning as tutors for the first time.  

Teachers and parents described the program as transformative for students’ confidence and ensemble skills, particularly in regional schools. 

Held at Monash University’s Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, the workshop brought together 33 students for two days of ensemble coaching, along with flamenco rhythm and Kodály singing sessions. 

With 11 professional tutors, the program has become a national hub for young musicians to learn, collaborate and grow.

(NOTE we should add photo carousel to the 2025 Monash, or even the videos shot of the main performance) 

New in 2025, Strike A Chord launched pilot residencies bringing professional musicians to regional schools.

The Partridge String Quartet worked with students at Maryborough Education Centre (VIC), and Arcadia Winds travelled to Spinifex State College in Mount Isa (QLD). 

Each residency included tutorials, side-by-side performances and mentorship sessions, building confidence and connection through live music-making. 

(NOTE shall we create a landing page for this? We can feature images and some of the interviews from the MecTet and Sarina)

Strike A Chord 2025 drew a record 170 groups from across Australia, performing music in a broadly classical repertoire. Each group submitted a video entry and was invited to include a short introduction video, which often captured the creativity and camaraderie behind their performances.

These videos were assessed by the jury, with Foundation Awards presented, First Round winners announced, and finalists selected to perform in the National Final.

The 2025 competition also featured our youngest ever participant, a Year 1 student, and included five students who have entered the competition every year since it began.

(NOTE Add page with intro videos)

The mid-year results marked an important stage of the competition, showcasing excellence and growth across both sections. Foundation Section participation rose by 38 per cent in 2025, reflecting growing enthusiasm for chamber music among younger students.

• First Prize: WollCon Junior String Quartet (NSW) – string quartet
• Second Prize: JPMS Jammers (QLD) – percussion ensemble
• Third Prize: FanTAStic Four (QLD) – saxophone quartet

In the Championship Section, 34 ensembles were named First Round winners, reflecting the diversity and creativity of Australian youth chamber music, from string quartets and piano trios to harmonica and mixed ensembles.

The 2025 National Final took place at Melbourne Recital Centre, judged by a distinguished panel led by Wilma Smith, Artistic Director of Competitions, Musica Viva Australia.

Queensland’s The IncrediBows won the Robert Salzer First Prize ($5,000), followed by Kingussie Trio (VIC) awarded the Paul Morawetz Second Prize ($4,000) and ATC Trio (QLD) receiving the Youth Music Foundation Australia Third Prize ($2,500). Development prizes included mentorships with Flinders Quartet and Firebird Trio, and broadcast opportunities through 3MBS and 4MBS.

Led by Wilma Smith, Artistic Director of Competitions, Musica Viva Australia, the Strike A Chord 2025 competition was supported by three distinct panels of jurors, each bringing expertise and care to every stage.

Together, these jurors brought deep experience as performers, educators and mentors, ensuring every young musician received thoughtful evaluation and encouragement.